Right now, I only get 3-6 hours a week with my daughter, which is very limited. Today, for example, I wanted to take my daughter to an event for her cousin, but the mother only allowed me a couple of hours and didn’t explain why. Because of this, I’ve filed in court for a temporary hearing, asking for two overnights a week, with a gradual step-up to 50/50 custody.
Summary of it all …
May 2023: We met through a dating app (Hinge). After a few dates, she informed me she was still legally married but in the process of divorce due to financial issues.
Summer 2023: She became pregnant, and I was very involved throughout her prenatal care, attending appointments and keeping her updated when she traveled to China.
December 2023: We moved into a condo together near my family. I was a supportive partner, even giving up my pets at her insistence.
March 2024: Our daughter was born, and I have been heavily involved in her care ever since. I took on late-night feedings and soothing duties, and I’ve worked hard to be a present and supportive father.
June 2024: Things began to deteriorate between us. She and her mother moved out, and I was left with very limited visitation with my daughter, only a few hours at a time.
I’ve filed for a temporary hearing asking for two overnights per week with the goal of increasing this to 50/50 over time. I’ve continued to reside in the same home we brought our daughter home to, and her room is still intact. I’ve maintained my job and am ready to take on a bigger role in her life.
Can anyone share what to expect from this hearing? I want to be properly preparea. YEAH !!!
In a temporary hearing, you usually only get about an hour max. Make sure you bring clear evidence showing you’ve been an active parent and why 50/50 is reasonable. With a newborn, though, it might be hard to get 50/50 right away. Just be prepared for that reality.
Focus on your time with your child and why you deserve more custody. I went through something similar, and being active in your child’s life will help you. 50/50 is possible, especially if you’ve been present and engaged from the start.
This is very detailed. Try to summarize the key points for the court. Stick to facts like how much time you’ve spent with your daughter and what you’ve done for her.
Eden said:
Hello, I’m a 36-year-old father who is unmarried.
Right now, I only get 3-6 hours a week with my daughter, which is very limited. Today, for example, I wanted to take my daughter to an event for her cousin, but the mother only allowed me a couple of hours and didn’t explain why. Because of this, I’ve filed in court for a temporary hearing, asking for two overnights a week, with a gradual step-up to 50/50 custody.
Here’s a summary of what’s happened:
May 2023: We met through a dating app (Hinge). After a few dates, she informed me she was still legally married but in the process of divorce due to financial issues.
Summer 2023: She became pregnant, and I was very involved throughout her prenatal care, attending appointments and keeping her updated when she traveled to China.
December 2023: We moved into a condo together near my family. I was a supportive partner, even giving up my pets at her insistence.
March 2024: Our daughter was born, and I have been heavily involved in her care ever since. I took on late-night feedings and soothing duties, and I’ve worked hard to be a present and supportive father.
June 2024: Things began to deteriorate between us. She and her mother moved out, and I was left with very limited visitation with my daughter, only a few hours at a time.
I’ve filed for a temporary hearing asking for two overnights per week with the goal of increasing this to 50/50 over time. I’ve continued to reside in the same home we brought our daughter home to, and her room is still intact. I’ve maintained my job and am ready to take on a bigger role in her life.
Can anyone share what to expect from this hearing? I want to be as prepared as possible.
The judge isn’t going to want to hear all the details about your relationship. Keep it focused on your child and how you’ve been involved. You won’t get 50/50 right away, but you can work towards it.
Eden said:
Hello, I’m a 36-year-old father who is unmarried.
Right now, I only get 3-6 hours a week with my daughter, which is very limited. Today, for example, I wanted to take my daughter to an event for her cousin, but the mother only allowed me a couple of hours and didn’t explain why. Because of this, I’ve filed in court for a temporary hearing, asking for two overnights a week, with a gradual step-up to 50/50 custody.
Here’s a summary of what’s happened:
May 2023: We met through a dating app (Hinge). After a few dates, she informed me she was still legally married but in the process of divorce due to financial issues.
Summer 2023: She became pregnant, and I was very involved throughout her prenatal care, attending appointments and keeping her updated when she traveled to China.
December 2023: We moved into a condo together near my family. I was a supportive partner, even giving up my pets at her insistence.
March 2024: Our daughter was born, and I have been heavily involved in her care ever since. I took on late-night feedings and soothing duties, and I’ve worked hard to be a present and supportive father.
June 2024: Things began to deteriorate between us. She and her mother moved out, and I was left with very limited visitation with my daughter, only a few hours at a time.
I’ve filed for a temporary hearing asking for two overnights per week with the goal of increasing this to 50/50 over time. I’ve continued to reside in the same home we brought our daughter home to, and her room is still intact. I’ve maintained my job and am ready to take on a bigger role in her life.
Can anyone share what to expect from this hearing? I want to be as prepared as possible.
The judge isn’t going to want to hear all the details about your relationship. Keep it focused on your child and how you’ve been involved. You won’t get 50/50 right away, but you can work towards it.
This is way too long and full of details that don’t matter. The judge only cares about your role as a parent and what’s best for the child.